Shannon Hardy will haunt you in every lifetime

Shannon Hardy is a comedian, actress, and writer from Massachusetts with a degree in Film & TV from USC. Her pilot THE GODMOTHER was a Second Rounder in the Launch Pad competition, a 2025 BlueCat quarterfinalist, and a Yes And Laughter Lab table read selection. She’s performed stand-up at the Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv, Ice House, Laugh Boston, and more. As an actress, she’s appeared in projects with Phoebe Robinson and Tim Meadows, and won her Roast Battle at the Hollywood Improv. Shannon also produces the drag comedy fundraiser Tight 10’s at Bar Lubitsch and hosts a monthly show at The Elysian: Shananigans—a mix of comedy, music, drag, and a little magic.

What were you like as a teen? 
Romantic. Loved school…but also angry, dramatic. I poured a gallon of milk on my step Dad’s head after school because he wouldn’t let me watch Oprah. I love Oprah.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
I started talking to people on NESN (its like ESPN for New England) and they would send all the hot Miss Massachusetts girls to talk to athletes. Wait ok, so it was very sexy. Just not my part. They sent me to eat food and drink alcohol most of the time.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
Making my mom laugh. She’s sweet, but only laughs if something is really funny. Or if something really bad happens. Or if she’s nervous. Ok, maybe I just love my mom.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it? 
I made every mistake. And then was like oh what if I just pretended that never happened. I pretended I was a different person sometimes. That made it feel interesting and less embarrassing.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Yes. I look them straight in the eye and tell them that I will haunt them in every lifetime. 💋
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian? 
It’s ok if cis men don’t think you’re funny.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Don’t try to be funny.
Worst comedy advice you ever got? 
Network.
How has being funny helped you in your life? 
When I’m in a dangerous situation, I’m unfortunately funny. I’m a very private person, but when I’m nervous, I can’t stop talking. One time my high school football team kidnapped me as a hazing thing, but quickly returned me–because of that I think.
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice? 
Secretly write down things you say that people (you like) laugh at it. I also would consider myself a novice still, so it’s not anything crazy.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
I don’t think there was one person.
Do you have a writing routine?
Days that are just for writing. I have a Google Doc list of jokes to work on, and ones that are done.
What is your go-to show or movie when you’ve had a bad day?
Anything with Clark Gable. If he was alive I would want to marry him for his mustache, and let him cheat on me.